updated 02:10 pm EST, Fri November 28, 2008

MSI to add Wind models

At a press conference recently held in France, Taiwanese computer maker MSI introduced new versions of its Wind netbook, the MSI Wind U115, U110 and U120H. The U120H will ship with a 3G data network module from Ericsson that will enable it to access the high-speed network with a SIM card. Other specs of the new netbook include an Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard disk with Windows XP on it. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules will also be accounted for, with the computer powered by a six-cell battery. MSI recently announced a stock U120 with similar specs and the availability of a Wi-Fi module.

In 2009, MSI will also introduce a revamped U110 model, with an Atom Z530 chip in place of the N270. Both are rated at 1.6GHz. At the same time, MSI will switch from an Intel 945 mainboard to Intel's next-generation netbook chipset, codenamed Poulsbo. Together with the low power consumption of the chipset and a six-cell battery that will be standard fare, the company promises an eight-hour battery life.

The Wind U115 will have a hybrid hard disk, which will include both rotating storage and flash memory. System files and other often used applications will be stored on the flash portion of the drive to speed up loading processes.

MSI promises all three models will weigh in at about 2.4lbs and have facial recognition security software called Easyface. No specific information about launch dates or pricing information has been announced. [viaNotebookItalia]